Russian crown jewel that's one of the most important gemstones linked with the country's last royal family is set to fetch up to £1.5m at auction

Published: 11:07 EDT, 29 October 2026 | Updated: 11:17 EDT, 29 October 2026 A Russian crown jewel that's one of the most important gemstones linked with the country's last Royal Family is set to go under the hammer for £1.5million.The Romanov Sapphire, a 197.80-carat unheated Ceylon sapphire, has a documented history that places it among the most important surviving gemstones associated with the Russian imperial court. The House of Romanov was the last imperial dynasty to rule Russia, reigning from 1613 until the February Revolution in 1917.Most of the gemstones belonging to the Russian Crown Jewels were sold by the Soviets to the West between 1927 and 1936. Very few remain identifiable today, making the ring one of the most significant jewels from the time of the Romanov dynasty.The sapphire was worn by the Empress Consort of Russia Dowager Maria Feodorovna at the Winter Palace Ball of 1903, which is widely regarded as the last great spectacle of imperial Russia.Maria's son Nicholas II was the last tsar or Russia before he was executed by the revolutionaries in 1917. Socialite and singer Ganna Walska acquired the sapphire from the Soviets in 1927. She was known for her extravagantly lavish lifestyle and huge divorce settlements after six failed marriages. A Russian crown jewel that's one of the most important gemstones linked with the country's last royal family is set to go under the hammer for £1.5million The sapphire was worn by the Empress Consort of Russia Dowager Maria Feodorovna at the Winter Palace Ball of 1903 Following its sale, socialite and singer Ganna Walska acquired the sapphire in 1927When she died in 1984, her home in California was turned over to the Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation and the garden was opened to visitors which is now considered to be one of the top ten in the world.She also had a passion for jewellery and had at least 146 pieces which she ultimately sold to fund additions to the garden.Her collection included a ninety-five carat diamond briolette, a rare collection of Indian jewellery featuring several magnificent necklaces by Cartier, and a large Mogul carved emerald.The likes of Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels were among her auction bidders.The auction at Sotheby's also features Cartier's Devonshire black opal tiara, which is expected to fetch up to £998,000.The jewel was likely commissioned in connection with the Coronation of King George VI in 1937 and later achieved particular prominence at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, when Mary Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, wore it in her role as Mistress of the Robes.Its last public appearance was at the London premiere of the film Wuthering Heights, when the film's director Emerald Fennell wore it on the red carpet.Another item for sale is a rare sapphire, emerald and diamond toi et moi ring formerly owned by socialite Catherine, Lady Walston which is expected to sell for up to £454,000.Andres White Correal, chairman of jewellery Europe and Middle East, said: 'The extraordinary success of our Royal & Noble Jewels sales reflects collectors' enduring fascination with jewels that combine exceptional gemstones, craftsmanship and history.'This season's auction is led by rare treasures associated with some of Europe's most important imperial and royal families, from the Romanovs to the Houses of Orleans and Braganza, each offering a unique window into history.'We look forward to presenting these exceptional jewels to collectors from around the world this November.'Sotheby's royal and noble sale takes place live from the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva on Wednesday, November 11 following Sotheby's high jewellery sale on the same day.Bidders from all over the world can bid online at Sothebys.com.